Q+A: Labour and Greens Memorandum of Understanding

Why an MOU?

It is about being clear with New Zealanders that Labour and the Green Party will be working together to change the Government. We believe the interests of our movements and ideals can best be achieved by working co-operatively while respecting we are separate parties with our own policies and principles.

Why now?

New Zealanders want to see there is a viable alternative to the current government, and that means demonstrating that we can work with other parties. There is commitment on both sides because both parties know we need to give New Zealanders confidence that we can work together and that there is an alternative. By and large it formalises a relationship that has been developing for some time.

How will you work together?

Where appropriate we’ll work together in Parliament and we’ll look at a joint policy and/or campaign if we think it will help New Zealand. We will give each other prior notice and the details of major announcements and speeches, including on matters where we may disagree.

Does that mean a joint policy platform?

No, we are separate parties with our own policies. While many of our policies are compatible, we won’t agree on every policy and there are some we will disagree on. That’s healthy and it gives voters a choice.

What happens with Cabinet/Ministerial positions?

This MOU is an agreement to work together to change the government. What happens after the election is a matter for discussion once the voters have had their say.

What about other parties?

We have good relationships with other parties and will work with any party that shares our goal of changing the government in 2017.

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Barbara Chapple-Alleyne followed this page
2016-06-01 12:43:48 +1200

Elizabeth Bright followed this page
2016-06-01 11:26:13 +1200

Jens Meder commented
2016-05-31 22:11:40 +1200

As a new member of Labour on the observation that Labour has been most successful when gaining votes from the socio-economic Center rather than when competing for votes from the Left, I believe Labour would have a better chance of winning the election by leadership from the Center, under a slogan like e.g. “Ownership Democracy” and defined by policies towards at least a minimally meaningful level of personal (retirement) wealth ownership by all citizens eventually.
This is easily initiated through resumed contributions into a permanent NZ Super Fund, and Kiwi Saver auto-enrolment with the $1000.- kick-start to all who have not received it yet, from “cradle to grave”, without a compulsory savings commitment.
The latter is possible without a cent of extra taxpayer and administration costs for a start, by just registering the kick-starts as investment accounts within the NZ Super Fund, ready for their owners to leave them there until age 65, or for a KS savings program commitment at its owner’s choice of time.
I would be keen for a public or confidential discussion on the pros and cons of it with professionals or the Labour economics policy committee.

Annie Stuart followed this page
2016-05-31 20:19:36 +1200

Paora Howe followed this page
2016-05-31 18:19:05 +1200

Gilbert O'Sughrue commented
2016-05-31 17:54:40 +1200

Great!

Mixing Green environmentalism with Labour social policy is the way forward for NZ (imho).
Now can Andrew please publicly disavow Neo-liberal economics as a failed experiment (like Winston Peters has already done) so we know we are all on the same page economically.

Andrew also has to be ready to respond to Johnny’s inevitable howls of derision with easily backed-up and concise evidence as to why Johnny is the stupid one for continuing to support the economic status quo. Bet that will raise Andrew’s popularity as leader instantly.

Richard McCubbin followed this page
2016-05-31 17:25:48 +1200

Ron Wilson commented
2016-05-31 17:06:49 +1200

At last we can work with the party that is closes to Labour’s understanding of what is important. Way to go guys

Colin Bassett followed this page
2016-05-31 17:04:55 +1200

Gillian Pollock followed this page
2016-05-31 17:00:36 +1200

Val Malcolm followed this page
2016-05-31 16:17:47 +1200

Jenny Neve commented
2016-05-31 16:11:36 +1200

Team work and co operation will do it – many of us are torn between the Labour Party with not enough interest in new technology and greening industry – diversifying farming and becoming organic – alternative health ; and a green party that don’t have enough following who share their vision for the future. We need education about where we’re headed unless profound changes are made to providing for all levels of society. We don’t all start at the same level so we need to support those who don’t have the same opportunity. Incentives more than hand outs. Unless there is justice in all sectors we will not thrive as a society, locally or globally.
Provide for need, not greed. We need new ideas.

Michael Smythe commented
2016-05-31 15:44:40 +1200

This is very good news! Collaboration with those who share our sense of direction is definitely the way forward. It could catch on – maybe we could get the whole country working together for the better – cooperation beats conflict!